The title of the programme is “European Union and Russia: cross-border cooperation”.

The duration makes up 3 weeks, 21 days.

The overall objective is to improve students’ knowledge in the area of international relations, Russian studies and Russian language learning focusing on the Karelian regional features.
The school presupposes lectures, presentations, study visit, debate, meetings with experts, workshop and cultural programme.
The total amount of hours makes up 108 academic hours.
Hours amount to 73, students’ independent work – 35. The number of ECTS is 3.

Within the framework of the school students get knowledge on several blocks:

1) European Union,

2) EU-Russia relations,

3) cross-border cooperation between Russian regions and Europe with special focus on Karelian experience.

The block about the European Union will include several lectures: the concept “integration”, theoretical basis of European integration, history of European Union, institutional structure, relations between the EU and other main actors of the international scene as well as study visit to the Barents EU Centre. The aim is to provide students with thorough knowledge about the EU. It will be multi-aspect block which will enable to discuss the EU from different points of view.

The EU Centre in Barents Region was found on the basis of the EU Information Centre of Petrozavodsk State University in December 2011. The Centre unites 5 leading universities of Barents Region, namely Petrozavodsk State University, Murmansk State Technical University, International Institute of Business Education, Syktyvkar State University, as well as North (Arctic) Federal University. Its overall objective is to improve overall awareness and knowledge among lecturers, students, officials, CSIs and general public in the Barents area of Russia on EU related issues. Main Activities include gathering, exchange and spreading of the information on the EU; implementation of conferences and seminars; support of the research and educational cooperation on the study of the EU; creation of educational programmes, study courses on the EU history, EU member-states; training of lecturers and staff members of organizations that cooperate with the EU; preparation of publications; assistance in the implementation of students’ and lecturers’ exchange; provision of consulting services on the opportunities of academic mobility and project activity.
This visit will give students the possibility not only to get theoretical knowledge, but to get information about practical issues on how the EU stimulates research and education in the Republic of Karelia and the Barents region of Russia.

The block about the EU-Russia relations will include several lectures: modern Russian history, Karelian history, Russian foreign policy, cooperation between Russian northern regions and Northern Europe, history and current situation concerning the EU-Russia relations. The materials will be aimed to provide thorough understanding of these relations in general as well as country and region specifics. Thus it will also focus on cooperation in the Northern Europe since Karelia is a part of this region. Students will get information from the official representative of Russia and ask him questions that are interesting for them. The final part will be debates “The EU-Russia relations” during which every participant will make a presentation on his/her point of view in relation to the topic. After it other participants will ask questions and discuss the material. These debated will enable students to develop their skills of analysis, argumentation, public speech and discussion.

The third block will be devoted to cross-border cooperation. The theoretical part will include theories, institutions and programmes. Students will study Karelia as an example of successful cross-border cooperation and get to know other examples of Russian regions that fruitfully develop relations with European border regions. The practical part will include a course on project management. As a result students will know the features of cross-border cooperation, study Karelian experience and will get new skills on project management.

The fourth block presupposes learning of the Russian language. The number of academic hours of the language course will amount to 28. Students will be divided into 2 groups taking into account their level of knowledge: 1) beginners and elementary level and 2) intermediate and advanced level. The Standard Russian language courses will give beginners, as well as advanced students, the necessary skills in Russian for practical use. Emphasis is put on the basis of grammar and conversation. Intermediate and advanced students will have the opportunity of improving their command in both oral and written language. The courses are developed in interesting and attractive manner and students get fast progrress. Russian language courses at PetrSU have been held since 1992.

The content is aimed to provide knowledge and skills that will be useful for students in general and take into account Russian and Karelian specifics. Students will be able to use them in their future educational and professional life.

The Kizhi Museum is one of the largest open air museums in Russia. This unique historical, cultural and natural complex is a particularly valuable object of cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia. The basis of the museum collection – the Kizhi Ensemble – is the UNESCO World cultural and natural heritage site. Restoration of the Kizhi monuments is being carried out “in front of the world”.

4. Museum Day (options: National museum of the Republic of Karelia, City exhibition hall, Art museum, Museum of industrial history, Museum “Polar Odissey”, House of dolls)
5. excursion to the Botanical garden
6. visit to Kivach waterfall and Martial spa resort
Kivach waterfall is the second largest plain waterfall in Europe. Martial spa resort was the first Russian resort founded by Peter I. It is famous for its healing mineral waters. Both are located in very beautiful and picturesque places.
7. visit to zoocomplex “Three bears”
This is natural complex located on the coast of Syamozero lake where people can enjoy wonderful Karelian nature and get acquainted with its animals.
8. farewell dinner “Let’s make conclusions!”

Lecturers
Our lecturers are highly qualified and experienced people with significant professional background.